Pittsburgh Steelers sign Cordarrelle Patterson

The running back spent the last few seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and will reunite with the Steelers’ new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith.

With the announcement by the NFL of a new kickoff rule, the Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time in signing Cordarrelle Patterson, one of the best kick returners available in free agency.

According to the NFL Network report, the Steelers got Patterson to sign on the dotted line for a two-year, six million dollar deal. The return man is a four time All-Pro.

More tantalizing still is that the former Atlanta Falcon could be a key ingredient to Pittsburgh’s offensive scheme, having spent three years with Arthur Smith, the Steelers’ new offensive coordinator, and former Falcons head coach. During his time in Georgia, Patterson generated 2,202 yards from scrimmage, with 20 end zone visits on 429 plays from scrimmage.

Patterson, 33, is entering his 12th season in the NFL. The University of Tennessee graduate was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2013 Draft. His journey in the league includes stops in Oakland, New England, and Chicago before Atlanta.

Cordarrelle Patterson’s versatility will help Pittsburgh

With Patterson’s arrival, the Steelers will have three reliable running backs, along with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Looking to recapture the hard-nosed, between the tackles style of Steelers football, a solid running game will be the key to success for either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, whoever ends up as the starting quarterback.

One of Patterson’s biggest assets is his specialization as a punt and kick returner. The former Falcons player holds the record for most kick return touchdowns with nine in his career. The previous mark was eight and was held by Joshua Cribbs and Leon Washington. In 11 seasons as a professional he has accumulated 7,989 yards in kickoff returns.

With Patterson’s arrival, the Steelers will have three reliable running backs, along with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Looking to recapture the hard-nosed, between the tackles style of Steelers football, a solid running game will be the key to success for either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, whoever ends up as the starting quarterback.

One of Patterson’s biggest assets is his specialization as a punt and kick returner. The former Falcons player holds the record for most kick return touchdowns with nine in his career. The previous mark was eight and was held by Joshua Cribbs and Leon Washington. In 11 seasons as a professional he has accumulated 7,989 yards in kickoff returns.